The Four Types of Search Intent

1. Informational Intent

The searcher wants to: Learn, understand, research

Query patterns:
- "how to [verb]"
- "what is [concept]"
- "[thing] explained"
- "[thing] tutorial"
- "[thing] guide"
- "why does [thing] happen"

Best content formats: Tutorials, guides, deep dives, how-tos, explanations, FAQs

Technical content examples:
| Query | Intent | Best Format |
|-------|--------|-------------|
| "how does DNS work" | Understand a concept | Deep dive with diagrams |
| "docker tutorial for beginners" | Learn a skill | Step-by-step tutorial |
| "database indexing explained" | Understand internals | Explanatory guide |
| "python type hints" | Learn syntax/feature | Reference guide with examples |

2. Commercial Investigation Intent

The searcher wants to: Compare options before making a decision

Query patterns:
- "[A] vs [B]"
- "best [tools] for [use case]"
- "[tool] review"
- "[tool] alternatives"
- "[tool] pricing"
- "is [tool] worth it"

Best content formats: Comparisons, reviews, listicles ("best X for Y"), decision frameworks

Technical content examples:
| Query | Intent | Best Format |
|-------|--------|-------------|
| "kafka vs rabbitmq" | Choose between options | Comparison with decision framework |
| "best CI/CD tools 2025" | Survey the market | Curated listicle with criteria |
| "terraform alternatives" | Explore options beyond the obvious | Comparison + recommendation matrix |
| "is kubernetes worth the complexity" | Evaluate a technology decision | Opinion backed by evidence |

3. Navigational Intent

The searcher wants to: Find a specific page or resource they know exists

Query patterns:
- "[brand/tool] documentation"
- "[brand] login"
- "[specific page title]"
- "[author name] blog"

Best content formats: You generally can't compete here (the searcher wants the official page). Don't target navigational queries unless you ARE the destination.

Exception: "[tool] cheat sheet" or "[framework] quick reference" — these are navigational-adjacent and you CAN rank for them with high-quality reference content.

4. Transactional Intent

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